Decades of drought has left many Australian farmers in a dire situation.
With large numbers of Australian farmers and cattlemen on the brink of losing their livelihood after decades of drought the situation this year is more desperate than ever. And what is even more concerning for many is that weather experts say that relief is nowhere in sight.
How long before substantial numbers of owners have to let go of their business and thus forfeit generations of expertise, and most heart breaking is, will the hopelessness and suicide rate among communities continue to rise? And of course, the economic flow on affects in cities across the nation will bite hard.
But, firstly why is global warming a global warning?
Jesus warned his disciples and believers that before he returns and establishes his kingdom that many disasters would occur. He also spoke of the effects of global warming albeit indirectly.
In Matthew chapter 24 verses 6 - 8 it records our Messiah’s warning for the end times, “...There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Famine suggests drought, and also did Jesus make another explicit and startling reference to global warming? (see Luke 21:25-27.)
But, take heart God longs to show His compassion and revive the hopes of those experiencing drought by bringing rain!
It may seem incredible and defy all human rationale and science to say this but, it is absolutely consistent with God’s nature and his ways. God desires to lift and break every drought and hindrance to crops growing and cattle thriving. I do not take the view that God hates people and is waiting for judgment to fall like Jonah did; Jonah focussed on how bad people are, rather than on how good God is!
We must understand that all of creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God as it is in bondage and decay. (See Romans 8:19-20). Drought is a part of the curse on men through Adam, and a bondage that God wants to remove because he loves humanity despite the rebellion and indifference to God.
God co-labours with His Sons and daughter to intercede for the peoples and drought-stricken areas
In 1 Kings 18:41- 42 says, “Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!” 42 So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.”
Elijah prayed for rain after several years of famine due to drought. This miracle shows God is in control of the heavens and of warming, and that God ceased further judgement and released his mercy and rain, as Elijah prayed.
The law of entropy shows that things are naturally going from order to chaos, which began since the fall of man. And the judgement of God is landing on places ripe with sins as listed in Isaiah chapter 59. But, God in his love can remove the curse of sin and drought and show mercy.
He looks for ones to stand in the gap; will it be you? Isaiah chapter 59 verse 15-16 God was appalled that there was no one to intervene, no intercessor. Jesus said: “Will he find faith on the earth?” However, hear me I am not saying people simply do nothing and pray alone. I am saying a wise farmer in drought, with faith would make preparations for rain to come, and seek the aid of neighbours and others as needed, while pressing into God as the highest priority!
In faith Elijah said he heard the rain though he didn’t see it, so I say rains are coming for Australians and all places on earth with drought as his church rises up! I hear mighty, supernatural rains coming to your town! And not just physical rains of abundance, but the pouring forth of rains of revival and the spirit of God.
Will we give up due to warming or rise up due to God’s warning?
Take heart all our Father has ‘good plans not to harm, but to prosper people.’ I especially appeal to those in drought-stricken communities, and where famine is breaking out to turn to God. And I call for those sent among us to start interceding for rural communities and farmers. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16.”
Those God sends must also make haste to preach the gospel of peace in these locations, as God opens his door of faith. I have not time to share my testimony, but the Lord is summoning myself and my church to enter a door. There shall not just be a harvest of crops, but also of righteousness and souls.
Let us take heed of Jesus final words in his sermon for the end times. Be not insensitive and critical, but instead knowing that God desires mercy over judgment. As we seek him he desires we administer his grace and are also preserved from what is coming: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36.
Mark Rusic was born in Melbourne and has a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He became a missionary to many, suffering hardship and poverty on Madura Island in Indonesia, in 1990 for about four years. He worked as a pastor-life coach with Hope International Ministries from 2002 to May 2023, playing a key role in raising up leaders and elders for the local Melbourne Hope church, which lead today. Mark has also been active in conducting yearly trips to remote Indigenous communities, bringing teams for training and outreach, which he initiated from 2015. He also established a salt and light ministry to empower saints of influence in the marketplace from 2017.
Mark is also an artist and an author and has written two books which are both a collection of his own paintings, photography, and poetry. These include ‘Iconic Melbourne of Australia’ and ‘Iconic Animals of Australia- With a voice to release your giant potential within,’ which are available now on booktopia.com.au and at leading book retailers. He has been counted among some of Australia’s best authors on several occasions through Dymocks since 2014 and continues to be a motivational speaker in various community groups, organisations, and churches.
He is currently pioneering his itinerant ministry to bless Indigenous people and empower the body of Christ, while working as an artist, author and speaker.